DoctorBox, in partnership with Antegenes, is introducing innovative genetic tests for the most common cancers in Germany. This innovative service combines genetic risk assessment with medical recommendations for prevention. The aim is to help people take proactive steps well before cancer develops.
Users can determine their genetic risk for the most common cancers – breast, prostate, bowel (colorectal), and skin cancer (melanoma) – from the comfort of their own home. Using a simple at-home cheek swab and online medical support, including mandatory genetic counselling in line with German legislation, the service provides a prevention plan tailored to each person’s genetic profile.
Genetic testing is based on Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) technology, which analyses hundreds to thousands of genetic variants associated with cancer risk. The results provide personalised recommendations for cancer prevention and early detection.
Each year, more than 500,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 230,000 die from it. Around 20% of these diagnoses occur in people before the recommended screening age. Despite this, many current screening programmes still follow a one-size-fits-all approach. DoctorBox now offers a smarter, more personalised solution based on genetic risk.
One simple step with a powerful impact
“Knowing your personal cancer risk can fundamentally change how we approach prevention,” says Julian Maar, Managing Director of DoctorBox. “A simple test can save lives, and it is recommended for people in their 30s and 40s, when genetic risks are already relevant and personalised prevention is most effective.”
Maar adds: “Using polygenic risk scores gives us a much more accurate understanding of individual cancer risk and following medical recommendations take prevention to a new level.”
The new service is designed for both men and women, regardless of family history. While only around 10–20% of cancers are hereditary, PRS testing can identify many more individuals at increased risk who would otherwise remain undetected.
Developed in collaboration with leading cancer experts
DoctorBox developed this service in cooperation with Antegenes, an Estonian health-tech company and EU-certified medical laboratory. The tests are CE-marked in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs), fully GDPR-compliant, and clinically validated according to European standards, ensuring maximum safety, accuracy, and data protection.
Personalised prevention and testing approach is based on internationally validated clinical models developed by medical scientists and oncologists, including Dr Peeter Padrik, CEO of Antegenes.
Dr Padrik highlights the importance of early prevention: “Scientific studies show that up to 40% of all cancers are preventable. While not every cancer can be avoided, early detection is crucial – delays in diagnosis or treatment can reduce life expectancy.”
He also points out the limitations of traditional screening: “Current screening programmes are outdated. They are based only on age and gender. But we now know that cancer risk varies significantly between individuals. Prevention and early detection must be based on risk assessment. Those at higher risk may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening to detect cancer at an early stage when it is still treatable.”
Live longer, stay healthier with DoctorBox
DoctorBox’s preventive health membership is available directly in their app. With the digital prevention dashboard, users can access at-home tests, receive tailored recommendations, and manage all their preventive care in one place.
Over one million people already trust DoctorBox to take charge of their health. Employers, insurers and healthcare providers are also using DoctorBox to improve access to healthcare and deliver more effective preventive services.
The highest standards of data security are guaranteed: end-to-end encryption and ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications ensure data protection and quality at DoctorBox GmbH.
Antegenes is an Estonian health-tech company and EU-certified medical laboratory specialising in personalised cancer prevention. The company has developed clinical-grade genetic tests based on polygenic risk scores.
